Restaurant Reviews – South

Dinner Club visits a new restaurant once a month. Ratings reflect the reviewer’s reaction to food, ambience and service, with price taken into consideration. Rating of stars is “regionally adjusted” and is based off a limited number of visits; one of the real keys to an excellent restaurant, regardless of price or cuisine, is the consistent delivery of a fine dining experience.

///// 2013
Name: 21 Main at North BeachCuisine: SteakhouseLocation: 719 North Beach Blvd., N Myrtle Beach SCContact: 843.315.3000 / www.21mainatnorthbeach.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Two StarsThe elegant 21 Main Prime Steakhouse and Sushi Bar are located at North Beach Plantation, a luxury oceanfront resort. The restaurant was a little tough to locate, they are directly across from ‘Barefoot Landing’ but you need to enter via 48th Ave. Their menu offerings go beyond what you normally find at traditional steakhouses. Despite the upscale dining it was still over-priced, not your any-night-of-the-week restaurant.

///// 2013
Name: Abuelo’sCuisine: MexicanLocation: 740 Coastal Grand Circle, Myrtle Beach SCContact: 843.448.5533 / www.abuelos.comFood:Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService:Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Two StarsAbuelo’s located at Coastal Grand Mall, is an upscale Mexican restaurant. Nationally they are the top-ranked Mexican food restaurant and one of America’s top restaurant chains. They are also ranked locally as one of the Best Mexican Restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area. It’s worth trying if you are already down there; but it would be hard to justify the trip just to eat there. There are a number of other Mexican restaurants locally that are pretty good without having to take the over one hour drive.

///// January 2014 Name: Angelo’s Steak & PastaCuisine: Italian SteakhouseLocation: 2311 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SCContact: 843.626.2800 / www.angelosteakandpasta.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService:Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Two StarsIn 2012 they opened at their new location two blocks south of the restaurant they operated for 23 years at the southern end of Myrtle Beach. It’s still all about the steaks! Home of “The Greatest Steaks in the Universe”, they serve 100,000 steaks a year there. As good a steak as you will get at your upscale steakhouses. Great steaks, at an incredible value, it’s hard to beat this deal.

///// March 2016Name: Aspen GrilleCuisine: SouthernLocation: 5101 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SCContact: 843.449.9191 / www.aspen-grille.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Three StarsReopened in 2009 the restaurant is ranked #8 out of @692 restaurants located in in the heart of old Myrtle Beach. Dishes are based on traditional Southern cuisine with a twist. Their menu changes seasonally and offers simple, but flavorful dishes with ingredients sourced from the best local suppliers. They feature live jazz and piano music several nights a week. There are not many restaurants like this one in Myrtle Beach; it is one of the few quality dining options there.

///// September 2015
Name: Benny Rappa’s Trattoria
Cuisine: ItalianLocation: 1453 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Bch SCContact: 843.361.1056 / www.bennyrappas.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct/ ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Three StarsOpen since 1996, it’s a small restaurant that is very unassuming from the street but is ranked #3 out of @280 restaurants located in North Myrtle Beach. Their chalkboard menu which changes daily, offers about a dozen entrée choices. If you don’t see what you like on the board, ask and they will prepare any dish for you if they have the ingredients. Although the entrees are a bit pricey, the food is terrific and well worth it. They do have an extensive wine list that is very reasonably priced. A trattoria is a home away from home for many Italians where the food is basic, simple, and most of all delicious. I think you’ll enjoy the casual fine dining at this trattoria.

///// 2013
Name: Bonefish GrillCuisine: SeafoodLocation: 103 Highway 17 South, N Myrtle Beach SCContact: 843.280.6638 / www.bonefishgrill.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService:Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Two StarsConsumer Reports rated Bonefish Grill as the best of the seafood restaurant chains. Why would you go to a seafood chain restaurant when you are at the beach? The reason to go is because it is better than most of the local seafood restaurants in the area. The restaurant has a local feel, quality, consistency and value is the recipe for their success. Usually I’m reluctant to recommend a chain restaurant but I’m a big fan of theirs.

///// March 2015
Name: Cafe Old Vienna
Cuisine:Austrian-German & EuropeanLocation:1604 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach SCContact:843.946.6252 / www.CafeOldVienna.ComFood:Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService:Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Two StarsCafe Old Vienna is an authentic Viennese restaurant offering Old World European Cuisine since 1997. The husband and wife team of native Austrians Werner and Martina Horvath must be doing something right. The restaurant is ranked #7 out of @768 restaurants located in Myrtle Beach and they recently moved to a larger venue. If you have never had this type of cuisine you should give it a try.

///// August 2014
Name: Chianti SouthCuisine: ItalianLocation: 2109 Highway 17 South, Little River SCContact: 843.249.7888 / www.chiantisouth.usFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Three StarsA great local classic authentic family professionally run Italian restaurant, serving traditional Italian cuisine. Broad based menu offers something for everyone. They also have an extensive wine list, which earned Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” every year since 1988. We have always enjoyed the dining experience there. I’ve never heard anything but good reviews about this restaurant. Serving some of the best Italian cuisine in the area.

///// April 2017
Name: Chuck’s Steak House
Cuisine: SteakhouseLocation: 9695 N Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SCContact: 843.449.7611 / www.chuckssteakhousemb.comFood:Average/ Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService:Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: OneStarChuck’s has been offering the original steakhouse and salad bar concept since 1979. The décor is laid-back in the hunting lodge motif. Steaks are the main attraction at Chuck’s, they were “VOTED BEST STEAK 2015 and 2016”. That said, I have no idea why the rave reviews. Neither the food or the service was what one would expect from a high-end steakhouse.

///// June 2018
Name: Ciao!Cuisine:ItalianLocation:5223 north Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SC Contact:843.449.5700 / www.ciaomyrtlebeach.comFood:Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Three StarsCiao is a great local classic family run Italian restaurant that is located in a nondescript small strip mall. It is ranked #6 out of @700 restaurants located in Myrtle Beach. It’s no longer a hole in the wall. In 2016 they took over the space next door, remodeled and added a huge bar. We enjoyed the dining experience at this place, and we weren’t disappointed. That said, there are a number of other Italian restaurants that are at least as good and half the distance away.

///// March 2018Name: Clark’s Seafood & Chop House Cuisine: ContinentalLocation: 720 Hwy 17, Little River SC (at Coquina Harbor)Contact: 843.399.8888 / www.clarksseafoodandchophouse.comFood:Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService:Efficient/ Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating:Two StarsThe owners of the Boundary House in Calabash have totally remodeled the restaurant location at what was Umberto’s. The décor is understated, with a nice view of the harbor / marina, outside seating & bar area are nice upgrades. All in all it we had a nice meal there, but it is really nothing special just a little more upscale then the Boundary House. The prices are those of an upscale restaurant and they just aren’t one.

///// April 2016
Name: Collectors CaféCuisine: MediterraneanLocation: 7740 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SCContact: 843.449.9370 / www.collectorscafeandgallery.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent/ ExceptionalService: Efficient / Proficient / Professional/ ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Three StarsThey are located in a nondescript small strip mall on the main drag; the exterior store front look of the restaurant gives no indication of the type of restaurant inside. Opened in 1994 the art gallery, dining room, and coffee house lounge combine to create a unique fine dining experience. In an eclectic atmosphere, diners are seated in one of their six dining rooms inside the 6,000 square foot restaurant that all have works of art for sale.

///// December 2015Name: Divine Prime
Cuisine: SteakhouseLocation: 1160 Farrow Parkway, Myrtle Beach SCContact: 843.839.9790 / www.divineprimerestaurant.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Three Stars
Behind the glowing red stainless steel door, located at the Market Common complex, resides the most luxurious restaurant in Myrtle Beach. It is the crown jewel in the seven restaurants that are part of Divine Dining Group. It is the only restaurant locally to have earned AAA’s prestigious four-diamond rating. Despite the elegant setting it is a bit pretentious and yes it is very pricey. When it opened it was one of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach unfortunately that is no longer the case. Neither the food or the service was what one would expect from a high-end steakhouse needless to say, we were disappointed.

///// May 2017
Name: Frank’s
Cuisine: AmericanLocation: 1434 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island SCContact: 843.237.3030 / www.franksandoutback.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Three StarsFrank’s has been serving upscale American cuisine since 1988. There are two areas to eat in the restaurant; the more formal inside main dining room is Frank’s, and the more casual outdoor patio deck and covered terrace is Frank’s Outback. Entrees are a bit pricey, but the rest of the offerings on the menu are moderately priced. This restaurant is significantly better than most of the other restaurant offerings in the area, an extraordinarily good restaurant that does not disappoint. It’s too bad that it’s over an hour and a half away, but if you are in the area this restaurant should be the one you should go to. It’s a very busy place so be cautious about making dining plans there during prime tourist season. Frank’s Outback is everything I want in a restaurant, outdoor dining that’s about as good as it gets!

///// May 2014
Name: Inlet ViewCuisine: SeafoodLocation: 1800 Village Point Road, Shallotte NCContact: 910.754.6233 / www.inletview.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService:Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Two StarsFamily owned and operated since 1978, The Inlet View is a three story bar and grill on the Intracoastal with spectacular panoramicviews. Nothing fancy here. The atmosphere is casual, easy-going and comfortable, with indoor or outdoor dining options. The pace is usually a bit leisurely, so don’t be in a hurry if you go, relax and enjoy the view. They are a member of the “Brunswick Catch” program so the menu focuses on locally sourced fresh seafood although there is something for everyone on the menu. They don’t accept reservations, but they do offer a convenient phone ahead seating policy. They are definitely located off the beaten path but whether you come on the road or by water, it should be on the top of your list of places to go to eat. Love this place!

///// February 2015Name: Luigi’s Trattoria
Cuisine: ItalianLocation: 503 61st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach SCContact: 843.497.7080 / www.luigismyrtlebeach.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain /Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Three StarsLuigi’s is a great local classic family run Italian restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine. It is ranked #8 out of @766 restaurants located in Myrtle Beach. A small, comfortable Italian restaurant located in a strip mall they are located just off the beaten path, being far enough from Kings Highway to allow for a quiet meal on their in season outdoor patio dining. The food is wonderful, the portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. An exceptional value, what’s not to like?

///// 2013Name:Martini’s Cuisine: ContinentalLocation: 98 Highway 17 South, N Myrtle Beach SCContact: 943.249.1134 / www.martinisfinedining.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Two StarsOne of the best restaurants you’ll find on the Grand Strand. Relax while listening to the live entertainment in the piano bar lounge and take advantage of the great deals at Happy Hour. It’s the kind of place you come back for another visit!

///// November 2015
Name: Midtown Bistro
Cuisine:ItalianLocation:2004 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach SCContact:843.427.4720 / www.midtownbistro.comFood:Average /Very Good/ Excellent / ExceptionalService:Efficient/ Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience:Drab /Plain/ Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Two StarsChef and owner Jeff Martini, the original owner of Martini’s Continental Cuisine & Piano Bar, has created a restaurant where “simple food and simple prices” are the standard. It is ranked #2 out of @280 restaurants located in North Myrtle Beach. Midtown Bistro has a little something for everyone. It offers a comfortable, friendly casual environment, at an affordable price. Most of the menu items are under seventeen ($17.00) dollars. They also have a jazz pianist and complimentary valet parking which is unique at this price point. It’s a very busy place; if you want to eat there you should call ahead for reservations. It was jammed on a Wednesday night in November.

///// May 2018Name: New York PrimeCuisine: SteakhouseLocation: 405 28th Avenue, Myrtle Beach SCContact: 843.448.8081 / http://newyorkprime.com/location/Myrtle-Beach-SC/Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Two StarsHigh-end steakhousereminiscent of “old-school” New York steakhouses. They primarily serve steaks at an exorbitant price to people willing to pay it. I don’t object to that if I feel like I’m getting my money’s worth. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I was disappointed, it’s no Ruth’s Chris.

///// August 2016
Name: P.F. Chang’s Cuisine: Asian FusionLocation: 1190 Farrow Parkway, Myrtle Beach SCContact: 843.839.9470 / www.pfchangs.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService:Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Three StarsA popular Chinese chain restaurant, they are located at The Market Common, in the heart of Myrtle Beach. It’s a very busy place so be cautious about making dining plans there during prime tourist season. P.F. Chang’s is an upscale Chinese restaurant, the food is divine but the portions are small and a bit pricy. They serve Asian food that you cannot get anywhere else. The dining options in Myrtle Beach are plentiful, but they are one of the best restaurants in the area. We have enjoyed everything we’ve ever ordered there and it is one of my wife’s favorite restaurants.

//// 2009Name: Parson’s TableCuisine: AmericanLocation: 4305 McCorsley Avenue, Little River SCContact: 843.249.3702 / www.parsonstable.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Two StarsEstablished as a restaurant in 1978, they have stood the test of time. The restaurant has been consistently receiving rave reviews. The same customers come back, time and time again. They occupy what was the Little River Methodist Church that was constructed in 1885. Upon walking through the antique doors, every room is filled with stained glass pieces. It’s a wonderful place to go for an upscale dining experience. You can always count on the consistent delivery of a fine meal every time that you go there, it’s an exceptional value.

///// January 2018Name: Rivertown BistroCuisine: SeafoodLocation: 1111 3rd Avenue, Conway SCContact: 843.248.3733 / www.rivertownbistro.netFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Four StarsLocated in the Historic District of downtown Conway, South Carolina, Rivertown Bistro offers unmatched atmosphere and unequaled culinary fusions. The food is outstanding, a tremendous value with prices being very moderate for the quality of the food served.It is one of the few area restaurants that offer creativity, quality, and atmosphere comparable to fine dining restaurants in major metropolitan areas.This is far above most of the other restaurant offerings in Myrtle Beach. It’s too bad that it’s over an hour away but definitely worth the trip. If you are going to try one new restaurant this should be the one you should go to. It’s the cat’s meow!

///// December 2017
Name: Ruth’s ChrisCuisine: SteakhouseLocation: 8761 Marina Parkway, Myrtle Beach SCContact: 843.839.9500 / www.ruthschris.com/Restaurant-Locations/myrtle-beachFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Four StarsRuth’s Chris Steak House, located next to the Grande Dunes Marina overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, is renowned for its aged USDA Prime steaks. They offer a variety of other dishes besides their unbeatable signature sizzling steaks. Despite being a franchisee of the largest upscale steakhouse restaurant group in the world it is everything one would expect from a high-end steakhouse; the only negative is it is very pricey but it is so worth it.

OpenTable, a provider of online restaurant reservations, has named Sea Blue Restaurant & Wine Bar in North Myrtle Beach a 2014 Diners’ Choice Award winner for the Top 100 Best Restaurantsin America. The awards reflect the combined opinions of more than 5 million restaurant reviews submitted by verified OpenTable diners for more than 20,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Sea Blue Restaurant & Wine Bar, a modern and casual fine dining restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine, was ranked #1.For more information» click here

///// July 2017Name: Sea Captain’s House
Cuisine: SeafoodLocation: 3002 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach SCContact: 843.448.8082 / www.seacaptains.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService:Efficient/ Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Two StarsThe Sea Captain’s House is an oceanfront restaurant in the heart of Myrtle Beach that has won more awards than any other restaurant in the area. They have received numerous Best of the Beach awards from The Sun News readers as well as being named the Best Seafood Restaurant Reader’sChoice Award by Southern Living Magazine four years in a row. We do not agree the food does not live up to its reputation. It may still be worth a visit because of the unique oceanfront setting.

///// August 2018Name: Snooky’s Cuisine: SeafoodLocation: 4495 Baker Street, Little River SCContact: 843.249.5252 / www.snookysonthewater.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService:Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Two StarsLocated at Cricket Cove Marina (Mile Marker 345) in Little River. The view overlooking the marina and ICW is outstanding. Hidden from the road, it is a little out of the way but not hard to find and worth it. New owners since our last visit who have made some changes including adding a raw bar. Cool little place that you should really make it a lunch stop next time you are in the area.

///// September 2017Name: The Chef & The FrogCuisine:French Asian fusionLocation: 605 S. Madison Street, Whitesville NCContact: 910.640.5550 / www.chefnc.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService:Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Two StarsLocated in downtown Whitesville, a fine dining restaurant in an unexpected locale. Serving New Southern Cuisine mixed with continental European classics and a twist of Asian, they prefer to describe it as Fresh, Creative, & Affordable. This is a really good restaurant in a nice small town that is far better than most. What a pleasant surprise!

///// September 2015Name: The Library
Cuisine: European ContinentalLocation: 1212 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SCContact: 843.448.4527 / www.thelibraryrestaurantsc.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Four StarsEstablished in 1974 in downtown Myrtle Beach, with an unassuming exterior, this is the most formal and classic restaurant along the Grand Strand. You are greeted at the door by Shad, the owner since 2003, who is a trained chef himself and is knowledgeable and helpful. He is very engaged in every aspect of service and satisfaction throughout your entire meal. The food is impeccably prepared from high-quality fresh ingredients, select dishes are prepared tableside, and the service is outstanding by the tuxedoed wait staff. This place does everything right, it is excellent in every way. I would strongly recommend for anyone who appreciates “The art of dining” that you try the traditional, upscale dining experience at The Library.

///// June 2018Name: The Oyster RockCuisine: SeafoodLocation: 9931 Nance Street, Calabash NCContact: 910.579.6875 / http.theoysterrock.comFood:Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService:Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Two StarsThe Oyster Rock is a family-owned and operated waterfront Calabash seafood restaurant. The owners of the Boundary House and Clark’s have totally remodeled the restaurant location at what was Colemans. The décor is understated, overlooking the Calabash River, featuring indoor and outdoor dining options. All in all, we had a nice meal there, but it is really nothing special. The prices are those of an upscale restaurant and they just aren’t one.

///// January 2016
Name: Toscana Italian Bistro‎
Cuisine: ItalianLocation: 4209 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SCContact: 843.712.2699 / www.ToscanaItalianBistro.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService: Efficient /Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Three Stars
Toscana Italian Bistro‎ is a nice local classic family run authentic Italian restaurant and is the sister restaurant of Villa Tuscanna. It’s a small place, located in a strip mall, with seating for only fifty (50) people. It’s a comfortable, friendly casual environment, but we were very disappointed that they had No Bar. Surprisingly it is ranked #4of all the restaurants located in Myrtle Beach. Frankly it did not live up to that kind of top tier rating. There are a number of other Italian restaurants that are superior and half the distance away.

///// April 2015Name: Tupelo Honey Café
Cuisine: AmericanLocation: 3044 Howard Avenue, Myrtle Bch SCContact: 843.315.3780 / www.tupelohoneycafe.comFood:Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService:Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Two StarsKnown for its incredible Mountain South cuisine and artsy décor, Asheville-based Tupelo Honey Cafe opened in Myrtle Beach this February. They recently completed renovating a marquee location in Market Common that was the Tommy Bahama Restaurant location before. The restaurant is spacious, with very high ceilings, multiple seating areas, and ample outdoor seating. The full bar offers a very nice craft beer selection, many from the Carolinas. The motto here is “Creative Southern Food that’s Good for the Soul”, which really turned out to be just pub grub with a southern twist. Frankly, we were disappointed.

///// March 2014Name: Villa RomanaCuisine: ItalianLocation: 707 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SCContact: 843.448.4990 / www.villaromanamyrtlebeach.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Three StarsA quintessential Italian restaurant, it feels like the great Italian restaurants that were more prevalent many years ago. The decor mirrors traditional Roman architecture with its columns, statues and fountains. The roving accordion player contributes to its old world charm. Established in 1985, Villa Romana has one of the most interesting Italian menus in Myrtle Beach. The menu reflects home-style interpretations of their family recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation. What makes them great is they are happy to prepare any dishes you want as long as the ingredients are available. I just can’t say enough good things about this restaurant and the incredible dining experience they provide. It’s about as good as it gets!

///// April 2018Name: WaterScapes at the Marina InnCuisine: AmericanLocation: 8121 Amalfi Place, Myrtle Beach, SCContact: 843.913.2845 / www.waterscapesrestaurant.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Three StarsWaterScapes is a fine dining restaurant located on the lower level of the Marina Inn at the Grande Dunes resort in Myrtle Beach. New American cuisine is presented in a warm, refined atmosphere with both inside and outside waterfront dining options. They have a very limited menu, divided into Small Plates and Large Plates, that only offers about a dozen entrée choices following the trend of menu simplification.It’s a little pricey, but the food was excellent and well worth the price, so not your any-night-of-the-week restaurant. This restaurant is significantly better than most of the other restaurant offerings in the area, it is one of the few quality dining options in Myrtle Beach, an extraordinarily good restaurant that does not disappoint. Overall, we had an outstanding dining experience, it was worth the trip.

/////Martini’s
98 Highway 17 South, N Myrtle Beach SC
943.249.1134 / www.martinisfinedining.comRelax while listening to the live entertainment in the piano bar lounge and take advantage of the great deals at Happy Hour./////